BTW, I included non-academic articles (in a separate section) on the CV that got me my current job. I guess the search committee hadn't read the rules on CVs. And yes it's very hard to take off the "old" stuff.
Dislaimer: I still don't know much more than "squat" about the process. Apparently, I made it all the way through my Ph.D. without learning any "squat."
Who said that all old work had to be thrown out and all past experiences should be ignored? The point is that only relevant things should be included on the CV and done in a convenient form. Nonacademic published articles may be fine depending on the field. Industrial work experience may be fine depending on the field.
The key is selectivity about including past accomplishments with an eye toward making a strong case about why you are the best person for the job. Making a special section to highlight X, Y, and Z from a previous life that adds value to your experience is smart. Putting down every single job held, paper written or even thought about, and the "Perfect Attendance Award" from third grade in the hopes that a committee will find something of value makes one look like a fool.
